Authorities in Weld County have released the identities of two men who died in a crash early Tuesday morning following a high-speed pursuit by deputies. The incident has left the local community in shock as officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The Loveland Police Division of the Weld County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies first spotted a vehicle without a license plate around 4:15 a.m. near East 57th Street and North Garfield Avenue in Loveland. When a deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver reportedly turned off the car’s lights and fled, leading deputies on a high-speed pursuit. According to authorities, the vehicle reached speeds of up to 120 miles per hour along northbound I-25.
The vehicle eventually exited at Mountain Vista, made several turns, and continued traveling east on Weld County Road 84. Officials say the driver lost control near the intersection of CR 84 and Pheasant Crest Drive, causing the car to strike a power pole and roll. Two male passengers, later identified as 23-year-old Jose Meza and 19-year-old X-avier Cruz, were ejected from the vehicle during the crash.
Emergency responders arrived quickly. One of the men was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. A woman who was also inside the vehicle sustained injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Authorities have not released details about her condition.
The Weld County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identities of the deceased as Jose Meza and X-avier Cruz, both residents of Loveland. The sheriff’s office emphasized that deputies did not make contact with the vehicle or use any intervention techniques prior to the crash.
The incident has raised questions in the community about road safety and the dangers of high-speed driving. Officials are urging residents to always prioritize safety while on the roads and to cooperate with law enforcement to prevent similar tragedies.
Neighbors and community members have expressed their condolences, noting how sudden and heartbreaking the loss of two young lives has been. Friends, family, and loved ones are being remembered as they cope with an unimaginable loss.
The Weld County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is ongoing as they review the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Authorities are working to ensure all details are properly documented to understand what happened and prevent similar incidents in the future.
While this tragedy is deeply upsetting, officials encourage the community to remain patient and allow investigators to complete their work. In the meantime, residents are asked to respect the privacy of the families affected and to offer support to one another during this difficult time.
This early-morning crash serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety, caution, and the potentially devastating consequences of high-speed driving.